Opposition is growing against plans to pedestrianise a market square after a business decided to relocate.

Traders, town councillors and the public are speaking out against Cherwell District Council’s plans to “revamp” Bicester’s market square.

The council expect to appoint consultants to work on shaping the regeneration plans in the coming months.

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The main thrust of concerns from town councillors lie around the district council’s decision to spend money on expert recommendations for the market square, but not to fix the existing problems.

Town councillor for Bicester North Rachel Mallows said: “The market square is in a dire state with loose kerbs, uneven pavements, and lots of potholes.

“This is because Cherwell council has been avoiding the issues for at least 10 years, while investing money into the white elephant Castle Quay scheme in Banbury.

“Bicester is surrounded by smaller towns with thriving local centres, including Thame and Towcester. Their success is partly down to free car parking close to retailers.

“Cherwell council has not been willing to consider even trialling new ideas or running fact-finding exercises to understand more about the factors in those towns.

“They have however been willing to spend money on consultants who recommend creating ‘an artisan food quarter’.”

Ms Mallows told the Bicester Advertiser that one business based in the market square – Signature Flowers – has already relocated.

She said: “Emma from the flower shop told me they had deliveries coming from Holland, and with a pedestrianised market square she would not be able to receive her goods. She needs 24-hour access for delivery vehicles.”

Emma, who didn’t want to give her surname, confirmed the move, stating the business left its premises on Saturday, December 23.

Ms Mallows added: "We (and the Liberal Democrats) are not against the redevelopment of market square. 

"In fact we fully support it. What we are unhappy about is that Cherwell District Council are doing everything very slowly and in secret. 

"We believe that they should be consulting with local businesses and townsfolk to get ideas prior to approaching consultants. 

"This is because the proposals they have already received from consultants were met with strong opposition from residents and business owners alike. 

"This has wasted eight months. The pavements are in a dire state already."

MP candidate for the new Bicester and Woodstock constituency Calum Miller said: “Bicester needs and deserves a vibrant, successful market square that draws in residents and visitors to shop, eat and drink at thriving local businesses.

"We should look to learn from other thriving market towns in our area and further afield.

"The safety and mobility of pedestrians must be a priority but the advocates of closing the square to vehicles need to show how people would get around the town and access the businesses in the square and how those businesses would receive deliveries.”

A spokesperson for Cherwell District Council said: “We are committed to supporting the development and regeneration of Bicester market square, ensuring it is a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

“During the upcoming engagement process we will be working with various stakeholders, including local businesses, residents and the town council, to help shape the future of the square.

“No proposals or designs have been finalised yet, the consultation and engagement will help to form these.”

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1